Effect

In battle

Generation III-V

Sand Stream summons a sandstorm in battle as soon as a Pokémon with Sand Stream enters the battle. Its effects almost are the same as Sandstorm's; the only difference is that instead of lasting for five turns, it lasts for the whole battle until a different weather condition replaces it. If a Pokémon with Sand Stream is sent out in the same turn as another Pokémon whose Ability causes a different weather condition, the slower Pokémon's Ability will override the faster Pokémon's Ability.

Generation VI

In Generation VI, the sandstorm will last only for five turns instead. This can be extended to eight turns if the Pokémon is holding a Smooth Rock.